This coming weekend we will begin a new sermon series on the Book of James. I’ve been looking forward to preaching on this letter for a long time because it’s one of the most down-to-earth books in the Bible. After all, it was James who had the nerve to say, “faith without works is dead.”…

Once again, we are almost through graduation season. After attending a number of parties and hosting one for my daughter’s graduation from Culver Stockton, I’m even more aware of life’s changing seasons. Indeed, life is transitory. Life is change. But there is one thing that is eternal: God’s love for us. I heard a story…

Last week, we celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost – and our current sermon series is exploring what “Life in the Spirit” is all about. So far, we’ve talked about how the Spirit connects us to the Biblical story and to one another – despite our differences. Last Sunday, I talked about…

During the Middle Ages, Pentecost was one of the most extravagantly celebrated of all the Christian holidays. Hidden behind the dramatic paintings on the domed ceilings of the great cathedrals were carefully disguised trap doors. During the Pentecost worship service, servants would climb up on the roof and at just the right moment would open…

Aren’t they amazing! If you didn’t already know that, then many of you saw it with your own eyes this past weekend as around 60 children and youth led worship at all four of our worship services. From prayers and scripture readings to vocal and instrumental music – our kids did it all! In a…

Every day we are confronted by numerous choices; most of them inconsequential. But occasionally we are faced with more difficult decisions. For those of us who’ve had to live with the fallout of a bad decision (and don’t want to go there again), someone came up with a list of eight tests for decision making.…

The world is truly a “wonder-full” place. Albert Einstein, one of the greatest scientists in history, also saw the beauty in God’s creation. He once said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” I confess that…

The message of the resurrection is that the Risen Christ is alive and at work in the world. Our job as disciples is to discern where that is and join him! Unfortunately, sometimes we forget our calling to serve. This past Sunday I shared an alternative version of the old “Footprints” poem that reminds us…

Beginning this Sunday, we are launching a new sermon series called “On the Road to Emmaus.” Using the story of the two disciples in Luke 24, to whom the risen Christ appeared as a stranger on the road, we will be exploring how we can also learn to walk in the power of Jesus’ resurrection.…

I read a depressing article online the other day. According to data on crime, housing, unemployment, etc., the city of Keokuk is supposedly the worst place in Iowa to live. Southeast Iowa, in general, didn’t fare too well in the rankings. I suspect if you’re one of the many who are struggling right now, you…